Ruth Ann Simpkins

Kirkwood, Mo 01/02/2014

She was born in Alton on Dec. 10, 1939, one of two daughters born to the late Walter L. "Pat" and Margaret (Byrd) Schudel. Ruth, and her sister Patsy, had a wonderful childhood growing up south of Hamburg near aunts, uncles and cousins, along with their parents on the family farm

She attended Oak Grove School, a one room schoolhouse, and graduated with the Class of 1957 from Hardin High School, and received her Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Western Illinois University in Macomb in 1960. Professionally, she taught Home Economics at Bowen High School, where she met a science teacher named Jon Simpkins. The two married on Aug. 7, 1966 at the First Presbyterian Church in Hardin, and his death occurred on July 27, 1986.

Following the birth of her children, Ruth was raised her children in Princeton, Il, where she was employed for many years as a bookkeeper at Citizens Bank. Later in life, she became a sorority house mother at Northwestern University in Evanston, Il.

She loved and nurtured her children, and was delighted that each of them have earned a college degree. Her purpose in life was her devotion to her children.

Some of her favorite activities included homemaking, shopping, antiquing, gardening, sewing, cooking, watching football games, caring for her cat, and adoring her precious grandchildren.

Surviving are her children & their spouses, Patrick Simpkins of Plainfield, Kirk and Amy Simpkins of Webster Groves, Mo., Erich & Karen Simpkins of Collierville, Tn., and Elizabeth Ann "Betsy" Simpkins of Kirkwood, Mo.; four grandchildren, Margaret Grace, Mary Alice, Jon Grayson, and Anna Claire; along with her beloved sister and brother in law, Margaret Jo "Patsy" and William Halemeyer of Fieldon; and three nieces, Annette, Jane and Sarah.

Visitation will be held from 9 a.m., Tuesday until time of funeral services at 11 a.m., at the Hardin Presbyterian Church with Rev. Paul D. Frazier officiating.

She will be laid to rest alongside her parents at the Dayton Cemetery in rural Eldred.

In lieu of any flowers and plants, the family would prefer memorials to the First Presbyterian Church in Hardin.

A luncheon will be served at the church immediately following the graveside services, and all relatives and friends are welcome.

Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville is in charge of the arrangements.